Sunday, 2 March 2008

Benign Dictatorship?

The issue of "player power" in Wales is again in the news after Gavin Henson's interview on BBC's ScrumV. Because it's Henson, reaction of all colours will be forthcoming, but his words carry the ring of truth. His problems with the previous regime were clear to see, and few will argue that a system which makes players like Henson happy, must be a good thing.

Not that much to cheer about on the field for Welsh teams this week; but the best was saved for last. Cardiff Blues' stunning finish against Munster could be argued to owe a debt to fortune, but the visitors' crazy attempt to play keep-ball on their own try-line for the last ten minutes, appears no less crazy for having almost worked.

Next up will be Warren Gatland's team announcement for Wales' trip to Dublin. Primed now to expect the unexpected, most observers still seem to anticipate Stephen Jones starting at 10 against the Irish. The accepted wisdom is that Wales will need calm control more than quick wits at the start. What is not in dispute is that we'll also need another step up from the forwards. Will this be Robin McBryde's finest hour?

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